Depends on the weapons system.
In this case, IMHO, with the SeaRAM, the testing appears to have been slow.
But we also need to understand what SeaRAM is. It contains a Phalanx CIWS base with its sensors (which are very well understood and tested over many years on many, many vessels) integrated with an eleven cell RAM missile launcher, where the RAM launchers are also a very much proven system over many years on many vessels.
The system is a "bolt on" system, that does not need to be integrated with the ships other sensors...only with the ability to turn the system on and launch when it acquires a target. Like the Phalanx this can probably be in either a direct manual fire mode, or an automatic mode once enabled.
The initial testing on the combination took place by the Royal Navy in 2001. It has been tested numerous since, albeit not on the LCS.
The US Navy got the 1st SeaRAM system for the LCS (specifically for the USS Independence) in March of 2008. It was installed on the helicopter hanger in the Spring or Summer of 2009. It has a blast test launch of two missiles (not armed or combat worthy) to validate structural integrity in May 2010.
The USS Independence was commissioned in 2010. The USS Coronado, also with its SeaRAM launcher installed, was commissioned in 2014. The USS Jackson, LCS-6 will be commissioned in December...also with its SeaRAM installed.
Now we have the first actual live firing exercise for functionality in 2015. So yes...that is, IMHO, a slow actual testing program aboard these ships.
This implies either that they are so confidant in the integrated system with the current level of testing that they are deploying them without the specific operational level tests of these systems...or that other platforms have already tested the integrated system sufficiently to establish a very solid base line.
Another platform that already has the system aboard, and which has been commissioned is the JMSDF Izumo carrier. Each of those class vessels have two SeaRAMs aboard. I am not familiar with the level of testing done on that vessel...but knowing the Japanese, I am sure they have tested it to their satisfaction.
Anyhow...time will tell. Even if slow on the LCS, they are moving forward and I expect at some point the more involved operational testing will occur on the LCS.
As I say, other testing may have already justified the type of test program we are seeing here. The Navy and the manufacturer are advertising SeaRAM with a 90% kill rate against incoming missiles. They are basing that on something and I expect they have the empirical numbers from testing that has already taken place.
